1 THOUGH IT'S been around for roughly 5,000 years, yoga is more popular today than ever. The fact that you can practice it just about anywhere is a big reason why. About 55 million Americans regularly hit the mat. That's nearly 15 million more than the number of people who golf.
2 WESTERNERS ADOPTED yoga as a form of exercise, but at its roots, yoga is a way of life. As recorded in the Yoga Sutras, a classic yoga text attributed to the philosopher Patanjali, yoga is based on the idea that the mind, body and spirit are all one. The breath is said to carry a person's life force. Many gurus believe that controlling the breath rejuvenates the body, and can even extend your life.
3 IF YOU'RE taking a yoga class for the first time, you might hear words you don't recognize, like tadasana (mountain pose) or uttanasana (standing forward bend). These words are in Sanskrit, the root of many Indian languages and the language of yoga. Today, it's spoken by less than 1% of Indians. Yoga's root word, yuj, means "to unite," and refers to the two selves: the individual and the divine.
This story is from the February 2024 edition of Reader's Digest US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 2024 edition of Reader's Digest US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A Race Well-Limped
A reluctant runner's key to keeping high spirits? Low expectations.
Won't You Be Our Neighbor?
These folks do Mr. Rogers proud
Band of Survivors
Armed with his drum kit, a Holocaust survivor fights antisemitism one musical note at a time
UMM...WHERE'S MY POOL?
All I wanted was some summer fun. What I got instead was a harsh lesson in the rip-off potential of payment apps.
Let's Say Yes!
What started out as a way to get my son to try new foods opened up a world of adventure for my family
A GRIZZLY ENCOUNTER
The bear had its jaws clamped on his friend. There was only one thing to do: tackle.
13 THINGS Go for Gold at the Olympics
THE 2024 Summer Olympic Games kick off July 26 in the host city of Paris, though several of the 41 event venues are located elsewhere in France.
STOP THE RIDE!
AMUSEMENT PARKS ARE MEANT TO THRILL. BUT OFTEN THEY JUST MAKE US SICK. ONE INTREPID RIDER IS ON A QUEST TO FIND OUT WHY SHE'S ALWAYS LOSING HER LUNCH.
Raise A GLASS!
FAVORITE DRINKS FROM EVERY STATE
A Race Well-Limped
A reluctant runner's key to keeping high spirits? Low expectations.
